Joeys progress to Round of 16 at FIFA U-17 World Cup

The Joeys will play Nigeria in Vina Del Mar on Thursday morning at 10.00am (AEDT) in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Round of 16.

Their progression to the Round of 16 as one of the best four third-placed teams was assured when New Zealand defeated Paraguay 2-1, and France defeated Syria 4-0.

Those results leave the Joeys placed above England in Group B on two points, and above Paraguay in Group F on three points.

Joeys head coach Tony Vidmar said he was rapt to have advanced, but said there was a lot more to come from his young side.

“I’m delighted that we’ve progressed through the group of death,” Vidmar said.

“The boys have to take the credit; they’ve done really well so far in this tournament.

“But there’s still a lot more we can improve on through this tournament.”

Vidmar said his side is showing signs of maturity and progression with every game they play.

“It’s great that we’ve got through to the next round because it gives our players another opportunity to play against a different style of football at an international level,” he said.

“The more games they get, the greater the experience is for them.”

Few gave the Joeys any chance of progressing after the initial draw in September saw Australia grouped alongside Germany, Mexico, and Argentina, but Tony Vidmar’s boys have performed proudly on the world stage.

A 4-1 loss to Germany began the tournament on a sour note, but the Joeys earned a point after a 0-0 draw against two-time world champions Mexico, before defeating Argentina 2-1.

The Joeys' coming Round of 16 match against Nigeria on Thursday morning at 10.00am will be shown live on SBS and streamed online. Full broadcast details will be announced soon.